Cybersecurity Expert Answers for Your Municipality

A: No—smaller municipalities are often just as vulnerable, if not more so, than larger and better-funded municipalities.  

Cybercriminals may see smaller municipalities as easy targets due to underfunded systems and reduced incident response capabilities. In January 2024, the town of Westlock, Alberta was hit with a ransomware attack that affected its 1,600 residents. The theft of personal information led the town to offer credit monitoring and identity protection services to those impacted. Incidents like this underscore the urgent need for strong cybersecurity defences in municipalities of all sizes. 

Cyber insurance helps cover the unique costs of cyber incidents, but it is NOT a replacement for strong cybersecurity practices. 

Cyber insurance is a specialized policy that provides financial protection against cyber incident-related expenses such as legal fees, incident response, and business interruptions. For municipalities managing sensitive data and critical services, it can offer a valuable safety net. However, because policies can vary in coverage and cost, municipalities should carefully assess their risks, current defenses, and budgets before buying. 

Above all, cyber insurance is not a replacement for strong cybersecurity practices. An optimal application of cyber insurance is as part of a comprehensive strategy focused on proactive risk management and robust security measures. Many insurance providers require organizations to provide proof of security controls (e.g. MFA, backups) before they issue policies.

For more help on deciding if cyber insurance is right for your municipality, download our free eBook [here]!

Municipalities must navigate a complex mix of provincial and federal privacy laws when building a cybersecurity plan. 

Each province can have its own regulations governing the handling of personal information. For example, Ontario has the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Alberta the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP), and BC the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

In addition to provincial laws, federal laws like the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the Privacy Act may be relevant for municipalities, especially when they work with third-party vendors and connect with federal systems. A robust municipal cybersecurity plan must consider any overlapping legal requirements to safeguard sensitive data and minimize risks of legal issues, financial penalties, and damages to reputation.

It's critical for municipalities to conduct regular privacy impact assessments (PIAs) and have breach notification protocols in place.

Zero Trust is a cybersecurity approach that assumes no user or device is secure, which helps protect the highly sensitive data that municipalities manage.

Zero Trust cybersecurity relies on the principle that no one—whether inside or outside a network—should be trusted by default. Effective implementation means verifying identity explicitly, granting least-privilege access, and monitoring for breaches continuously. Municipalities can reduce their risk of data breaches with this more secure model: according to Microsoft, their customers have saved over $7 million in legacy software and infrastructure since implementing a Zero Trust approach.

Partnering with a cybersecurity provider gives municipalities access to specialized expertise and advanced technologies that may be otherwise inaccessible.

When deciding whether to build up an internal IT team or collaborate with external cybersecurity experts, municipalities should consider the advantages of each approach. Insourcing talent provides direct control and a deep understanding of local needs, but requires ongoing investment in recruiting and training.

Partnering with security vendors delivers immediate access to experienced professionals and the latest security tools, offering scalable and adaptable solutions tailored to municipal requirements. Cybersecurity partners also support regulatory compliance and provide timely incident response, helping minimize damage during attacks. By working with trusted providers, municipalities can enhance their security posture, safeguard critical infrastructure, and free internal resources to focus on other priorities—strengthening overall resilience and public safety.